Bicycle skewer with bicycle trailer couplers

ABSTRACT

A bicycle skewer for supporting a wheel of a bicycle between bicycle forks on opposite sides of the supported bicycle wheel comprises a skewer body having first and second end portions and a longitudinal axis about which a supported bicycle wheel pivots. In accordance with an embodiment, a first coupler is coupled to the first end portion of the skewer body and a second coupler is coupled to the second end portion of the skewer body; the bicycle wheel and forks being positioned between the first and second couplers. In addition, each of the first and second couplers comprise exterior surfaces at least a portion of which are spherical.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser.No. 62/524,759, entitled BICYCLE TRAILER, filed on Jun. 26, 2017, whichis incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD

This disclosure relates to bicycle wheel skewers for use in couplingbicycle trailers to the bicycle wheel skewers, and to components used inconnection with such trailers.

SUMMARY

In accordance with an embodiment, a bicycle skewer for supporting awheel of a bicycle between bicycle forks on opposite sides of thesupported bicycle wheel is disclosed. In this embodiment, the skewercomprises: a skewer body having first and second end portions and alongitudinal axis about which a supported bicycle wheel pivots. Inaddition, a first coupler coupled to the first end portion of the skewerbody and a second coupler is coupled to the second end portion of theskewer body. The bicycle wheel and forks are positioned in thisembodiment between the first and second couplers. Also, each of thefirst and second couplers comprising exterior surfaces at least aportion of which are spherical.

In accordance with an aspect of an embodiment, each of the first andsecond couplers comprising exterior surfaces at least a portion of whichare spherical can have exterior surfaces that are entirely sphericalexcept for side surface portions perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.The side surface portions can be planar.

As another aspect of an embodiment, the first coupler comprising anexterior surface at least a portion of which is spherical can have afirst opening therethrough that is sized to receive the first endportion of the skewer body, the first coupler being rotatable relativeto the first end portion of the skewer body. In addition, the secondcoupler comprising an exterior surfaces at least a portion of which isspherical can have a second opening therethrough that is sized toreceive the second end portion of the skewer body, the second couplerbeing rotatable relative to the second end portion of the skewer body.The first and second couplers can have exterior surfaces that areentirely spherical except at the location of the first and secondopenings.

As a further aspect of an embodiment, the bicycle skewer comprisingfirst and second couplers with exterior surfaces at least a portion ofwhich are spherical can also comprise a first bearing coupling the firstcoupler to the first end portion of the skewer body and a second bearingcoupling the second coupler to the second end portion of the skewerbody.

As yet another aspect of an embodiment, each of the first and secondcouplers have an exterior surface, and wherein the upper quadrant of theexterior surfaces of the first and second couplers can be spherical.

As still further aspects of an embodiment comprising first and secondcouplers with exterior surfaces at least a portion of which arespherical, the first skewer end portion of the skewer body can comprisea first collar with a first post extending outwardly and having an axisthat is coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the skewer body. Inaddition, the second skewer end portion of the skewer body can comprisea second collar with a second post extending outwardly and having anaxis that is coaxial with the longitudinal axis. In addition, the firstcoupler can be supported by the first post and the second coupler can besupported by the second post.

As another aspect of an embodiment comprising first and second couplerswith exterior surfaces at least a portion of which are spherical, atleast one of the first and second collars can be threadedly coupled tothe skewer body. As a further aspect, the first coupler can bethreadedly coupled to the first post and the second coupler can bethreadedly coupled to the second post. Alternatively the couplers can beretained on their respective posts by snap rings or other fasteners.

As a further aspect of an embodiment comprising first and secondcouplers with exterior surfaces at least a portion of which arespherical, the first coupler can be rotatably supported by the firstpost so as to rotate relative to the first post. In addition, the secondcoupler can be rotatably supported by the second post so as to rotaterelative to the second post.

As further aspects of an embodiment comprising first and second couplerswith exterior surfaces at least a portion of which are spherical, thebicycle skewer can comprise a cam body slidably coupled to the first endportion of the skewer body for sliding axially on the first end portionof the skewer toward and away from an adjacent bicycle fork, the cambody comprising a first post extending outwardly and having an axis thatis coaxial with the longitudinal axis, wherein the second skewer endportion of the skewer body comprises a second collar with a second postextending outwardly and having an axis that is coaxial with thelongitudinal axis, the second collar being threadedly coupled to theskewer body, wherein the first coupler is supported by the first postand the second coupler is supported by the second post, a cam shankinserted into the cam body and into engagement with the first endportion of the skewer, a cam lever coupled to the cam shank, and whereinmovement of the cam lever slidably adjusts the position of the cam bodyon the first skewer end portion relative to the adjacent fork to adjustthe pressure exerted by the skewer body on the bicycle forks.

In accordance with an aspect of an embodiment comprising first andsecond couplers with exterior surfaces at least a portion of which arespherical, the first coupler can be rotatably supported by the firstpost so as to rotate relative to the first post or threadedly coupled tothe first post. In addition, the second coupler can be rotatablysupported by the second post so as to rotate relative to the second postor threaded to the second post.

As a still further aspect of an embodiment, the first and secondcouplers can have exterior surfaces that are spherical except forsurfaces through which posts extend.

As yet another aspect of an embodiment, each of the first and secondcouplers can comprise a ball.

In accordance with an embodiment, a bicycle skewer for supporting awheel of a bicycle between bicycle forks on opposite sides of thesupported bicycle wheel, and for coupling the bicycle to a first latchon a first yoke arm of a trailer and for coupling the bicycle to asecond latch on a second yoke arm of a trailer, the skewer can comprise:a skewer body having first and second end portions and a longitudinalaxis about which a supported bicycle wheel pivots, a first couplercoupled to the first end portion of the skewer body and a second couplercoupled to the second end portion of the skewer body, the bicycle wheeland forks being positioned between the first and second couplers; thefirst coupler comprising a first exterior latch engagement surface, atleast a portion of which is spherical; the second coupler comprising asecond exterior latch engagement surface, at least a portion of which isspherical; and wherein the first exterior latch engagement surface ispositioned against a spherical surface portion of the first latch on thefirst yoke arm when the first yoke arm is coupled to the first endportion of the skewer, and wherein the second exterior latch engagementsurface is positioned against a spherical surface portion of the secondlatch on the second yoke arm when the second yoke arm is coupled to thesecond end portion of the skewer.

As an additional aspect of the above embodiment, each of the first andsecond couplers can have exterior surfaces that are entirely sphericalexcept for side surface portions perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

As yet another aspect an embodiment comprising first and second couplerswith exterior surfaces at least a portion of which are spherical, thefirst coupler can have a first opening therethrough that is sized toreceive the first end portion of the skewer body, the first couplerbeing rotatable relative to the first end portion of the skewer body;and wherein the second coupler has a second opening therethrough that issized to receive the second end portion of the skewer body, the secondcoupler being rotatable relative to the second end portion of the skewerbody.

As a further aspect, the first and second couplers can have exteriorsurfaces that are entirely spherical except at the locations of thefirst and second openings through the couplers.

As a still further aspect, each of the first and second couplers cancomprises a ball detachably mounted to the respective first and secondends of the skewer body.

The features and advantages of the invention will become more apparentfrom the following detailed description, which proceeds with referenceto the accompanying FIGS. It is to be understood that this disclosureencompasses novel and non-obvious elements disclosed herein alone and inall possible combinations and/or sub-combinations thereof. There is norequirement that an element and/or combination of elements provide anyof the advantages and/or satisfy any of the objects set forth herein tobe within the scope of this disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a bicycle trailer inaccordance with this disclosure shown coupled to the rear axle of abicycle.

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the bicycle trailer of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3A is an enlarged perspective view of a rear portion of the bicycletrailer of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3B is a perspective view of one form of a suspension arm includedin the trailer of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3C is a rear perspective view of a portion of the bottom of thebicycle trailer of FIG. 1 and showing a form of kickstand assembly thatcan be included in the bicycle trailer.

FIG. 3D is a side elevational view of the kickstand assembly of FIG. 3C.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the rear portion of the trailer with anexemplary carrier.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the front portion of the bicycle trailerof FIG. 1 with yoke arms of the bicycle trailer shown coupled to askewer at the rear of a bicycle.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view similar to the view of FIG. 5, but withyoke arms of the bicycle trailer shown decoupled from a coupling portionof a skewer at the rear of a bicycle.

FIG. 7 is a top view of the front portion of the bicycle trailer of FIG.1 with yoke arms of the bicycle trailer shown coupled to a skewer at therear of a bicycle.

FIG. 8 is a rear view of the rear bicycle wheel illustrating a skewerwith trailer coupling elements for coupling the one form of latchmechanism that can be included at distal end portions of the yoke arms.

FIGS. 9 and 9A are respective exploded views of two forms of a skewerthat can be used in detachably coupling yoke arms of the bicycle trailerto the skewer and thereby to the rear wheel of a bicycle.

FIG. 10 is an exploded view of an alternative form of skewer with aquick release cam mechanism.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the yoke arms coupled to the skewer ofFIG. 9 and with the bicycle omitted for convenience.

FIG. 12A is a perspective view of an exemplary latch assembly forcoupling the distal end of one of the yoke arms to the skewer.

FIG. 12B is a sectional view of the latch assembly of FIG. 12A with acover portion of the latch removed.

FIGS. 13-15 are broken away illustrations of the latch assembly invarious latched and decoupled states.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the front portion of the trailer withyoke arms coupled to a skewer.

FIGS. 17A and 17B are perspective views of respective exemplary upperand lower handle sections that can be used in the bicycle trailer andthat can accommodate a latch actuator for controlling the latchassemblies.

FIG. 17C is a perspective view of one form of a latch actuatorcomprising latch actuating cables and a cable mover coupled to thecables for moving the cables to control the operation of the latches.

FIGS. 17D-17I schematically illustrate alternative forms of cablemovers.

FIGS. 18-20 are broken away top views of one form of a hinge assemblythat allows selective pivoting of the yoke arms toward and away from oneanother.

FIGS. 21A and 21B are perspective views of right and left hand portionsof an exemplary hinge assembly.

FIG. 22A is a perspective view of an alternative form of a hinge portionfor pivotally interconnecting yoke arms.

FIG. 22B is a bottom plan view of the hinge portion of FIG. 23A.

FIG. 23 is a sectional view of one form of hinge assembly forinterconnecting the yoke arms.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the bicycle trailer of FIG. 1 showingthe removal of a hinge pin that allows decoupling of yoke arm, latching,handle and hinge portions of the trailer assembly from the rest of thebicycle trailer.

FIGS. 25 and 26 illustrate the operation of a wheel folding feature ofthe suspension of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 27 schematically illustrates the operation of an exemplary trailersuspension included in the trailer of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following explanations of terms are provided to better describe thepresent disclosure and to guide those of ordinary skill in the art inthe practice of the present disclosure. As used herein, the words“including” and “having” and their formatives have the same meaning as“comprising and its corresponding formatives. Also, the singular forms“a” or “an” or “the” include plural references unless the contextclearly dictates otherwise. The term “or” refers to a single element ofstated alternative elements or a combination of two or more elements,unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The term “coupled to”(e.g. element A is coupled to element B) includes direct connection ofthe elements and also includes indirect connection of the elementsthrough one or more other elements. The terms “about” and“approximately” with respect to a value or stated range or orientation,unless otherwise stated, means plus or minus ten percent of the recitedvalue, range or orientation.

Examples are described with reference to directions indicated as“above,” “below,” “upper,” “lower,” “top”, “bottom”, “ascending”,“descending”, and/or the like. These terms are used for convenientdescription, but do not imply or require any particular spatialorientation. For example, a trailer described as having an upper andlower frame sections is typically oriented in use with the upper framesection above the lower frame section. If the orientation is changedsuch that the lower frame section is above the upper frame section, thetrailer still has the upper frame section, even though it is noworiented in a lower position. The term “and/or” is to be broadlyconstrued to include all possible combinations of elements or items withwhich the term is used, as well as the elements or items individually.The term “adjacent” means two components are positioned without othercomponents being positioned between the adjacent portions of the twocomponents.

Unless explained otherwise, all technical and scientific terms usedherein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinaryskill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. Although methods andmaterials similar or equivalent to those described herein, suitablemethods and materials are described below. The materials, methods, andexamples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting, unlessotherwise indicated. Other features of the disclosure will be apparentfrom the following detailed description.

With reference to FIGS. 1-4, an embodiment of a bicycle trailer 10 inaccordance with this disclosure is illustrated.

The illustrated bicycle trailer 10 comprises a frame 12 comprising alower frame portion 14 and an upper frame portion 16. The lower frameportion comprises a front lower rail section 20, which can be arcuate orcurved with side end portions spaced further from a bicycle 22 than thecentral portion when the trailer 10 is coupled to the bicycle. The lowerframe portion 12 also can comprise first and second spaced apart lowerside rail sections 24, 26 extending rearwardly from the respective sideend portions of the front section 20. First and second riser framesections 30, 32 extend upwardly from the respective lower side railsections 24, 26. Riser sections 30, 32 can comprise rearwardly andupwardly angled risers, such as angled at an angle from 45 to 80 degreesfrom the respective lower side rail sections, with 70 degrees being aspecifically desirable example. As best seen in FIG. 4, a firsttransversely extending frame cross member 34 can extend across thebottom of the trailer from one of the lower side rail sections 24, 26 tothe other. A second frame cross member 36 can extend transverselybetween the risers 30, 32; such as between locations that are midwayalong the length of the risers, or from a location that is one-half totwo-thirds of the length of the risers from the respective lower siderail sections 24, 26.

The upper frame portion 16 comprises an upper front section 40 (FIG. 1)spaced above lower frame front portion 20. The upper front section 40can be curved or arcuate, such as like the lower front section 20 andcan have respective upper front section end portions. As can be seen inFIG. 2, the front section 40 can also be angled downwardly to convergetoward the lower front section 20. In addition, the upper frame 16 cancomprise first and second upper side rail sections 42, 44 (see e.g.,FIG. 1) extending rearwardly from the respective end portions of thefront upper rail section 40. A first descending rail section 48 canextend downwardly and rearwardly from upper side rail section 42 to alocation where it joins the upper end of riser 30. A second descendingrail section 50 also can extend downwardly and rearwardly from upperside rail section 44 to a location where it joins the upper end of theriser 32. First and second struts 52, 54 can extend between the upperand lower front frame rail sections 40, 20; such as between locationsspaced inwardly from the locations where end portions of the frontsections 20, 40 join their respective side rail sections 24, 26 and 42,44.

The illustrated frame 12 defines an interior cargo area 76 bounded bythe frame components; although cargo can be carried outside the cargoarea, such as strapped onto the top of the trailer.

In addition, spaced apart transversely extending lower floor supportingcross members, one being indicated at 25 in FIG. 3C, can be included.The cross members 25 can be parallel to one another and can extendbetween lower side rail sections 24, 26 to provide load carrying supportat the bottom of the trailer.

The frame in this example is a box structure. The frame can have acurved front and rear frame comprising converging frame sections (30, 48and 32, 50 in this example). The frame sections are desirably made of adurable material such as aluminum and/or steel tubing. The tubing can bebent to shape and sections can be welded or otherwise secured togetherat joints to create the frame. Polymer materials can also be used forthe frame; such as fiber reinforced composite materials. The illustratedframe and bicycle trailer have a desirable ornamental appearance; andcan take on other configurations while still achieving the functions ofthe trailer.

The trailer desirably has a front wall and spaced apart side walls. InFIG. 1, the walls comprise a front wall panel portion 57 and opposedside wall panel portions 59, 60. The front wall panel portion 57 can becoupled to upper and lower front frame sections 40, 20. In addition theside wall panel portion 59 can be coupled to the upper and lower siderail sections 42, 24, to the riser section 30, and to the descendingrail section 48. Also, the side wall panel portion 60 can be coupled tothe lower and upper side rail sections 26, 44, to the riser section 32,and to the descending rail section 50. The side wall panel portions canbe discrete elements of wood, plastic or other panel material, or of afabric, such as canvas, and/or of a polymer material, such as a polymermesh. Light reflective fabric can also be used for increased visibility.Alternatively, the side wall panel sections 57, 59 and 60 can be madefrom a single integrated piece of material that can extend from a riser30 or 32 at one side of the trailer, around the front of the trailer andto the riser at the opposite side of the trailer. In the form shown, thefront and side wall panel portions comprise loops along the edgesthereof that are wrapped around the respective portions of the framerail sections to tie the wall panel portions to the frame sections.These loops can, for example, be hook and eye fabric loops with endportions that are joined together to detachably secure the wall panelportions to the frame. Rivets, bolts, grommets and/or other alternativefasteners can be used.

In addition, a bottom panel portion 62 can be coupled to the lower framerail sections that form the lower frame portion 14. Bottom panel portion62 can extend rearwardly from the lower front rail section 20 to theupper ends of the risers 30, 32. The floor 62 can be of plastic that isformed, such as by cutting, and heating and bending to the desiredprofile. Alternatively, the floor 62 can comprise fiber reinforcedpolymer, metal, wood, or canvas or other fabric. The floor 62 can beriveted, bolted, adhered by adhesive, or otherwise fastened to the frame12. A gap 66 can be provided in the floor panel 62 at the rear end ofthe trailer to accommodate a shock absorbing suspension structure 68such as described below.

Although other forms of hitch assemblies can be used, a particularlydesirable hitch assembly comprises first and second yoke or hitch armscoupled to the rear wheel of a bicycle and more specifically to oppositeends of a skewer that couples the bicycle rear wheel to forks of thebicycle frame. Desirably the yoke arms include latch assemblies at theirrespective distal ends for selectively engaging a respective end of theskewer. In one desirable form, the latch assemblies can besimultaneously actuated to disengage both latches at the same time tofacilitate disconnecting the trailer from the bicycle. Actuation of thelatches can be accomplished by a user moving a handle component, such asusing one hand, to cause the unlatching of the latches. The handle canbe positioned at a location that is nearer to the trailer frame than tothe bicycle rear wheel axis to facilitate access to the latch actuatinghandle component. The yoke arms can be pivotally coupled to the trailerframe such that the spacing between the distal ends of the yoke arms canbe varied by pivoting the arms toward or away from one another toaccommodate bicycles with different rear axle widths. Also, a skewerwith spherical latch engaging surfaces accommodates relative movementbetween the trailer and rear wheel axle, such as when the bicycle turnsor encounters partial obstructions, such as bumps in the road.

With specific reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, a first yoke supporting flange84 can project forwardly from the lower frame rail section 20 and secondyoke supporting flange 86 can project forwardly from the upper frontrail section 40 at a location overlaying the flange 84. The flanges 84,86 are desirably positioned to be intersected by a vertical planeextending along the front to rear longitudinal centerline of thetrailer. A trailer to bicycle coupling or hitch structure is desirablyincluded in the trailer for use in coupling the trailer to the bicyclerear axle 92, or skewer that comprises the axle of a rear wheel 94 of abicycle.

An illustrated hitch structure comprises a yoke structure 90 thatcomprises yoke arms 100, 102 and a yoke arm connection column 96positioned between the flanges 84 and 86 that allows the yoke arms topivot relative to flanges 84,86 for pivoting about the axis of a pivotpin 98 (See FIG. 2) that is coupled to the flanges.

A first yoke arm 100 extends forwardly from the column 96 along one sideof the bicycle wheel 94. A second yoke arm 102 extends from the column96 forwardly along the opposite side of the wheel 94. The column 96 cancomprise first and second yoke arm support elements, such as hingemembers, that are constructed so as to allow the yoke arms 100 and 102to pivot toward and away from one another; as will become more apparentfrom the description below. This allows the spacing between the distalends of the yoke arms to be varied by pivoting the distal ends 110, 114of the yoke arms 100, 102 toward or way from one another for coupling tobicycles with tires and axles of different widths. The column 96 canhave mechanism for increasing and decreasing the resistance to pivotingmotion so that the distal ends remain at a spacing between uses, such asuntil the resistance is relieved and the spacing between the distal endsis changed. For example, one or more bolts can be tightened againsthinge elements to a torque level that binds hinge elements and preventsmovement of the distal ends of the yoke arms from applied torque belowthe torque level. A knob, set screw or collar can comprise a lock outmember that can be adjusted to engage the hinge members or the arms toprevent their relative movement until disengaged.

The yoke arm 100 includes a distal end 110 comprising a first skewerengaging latch 112 operable as explained below to selectively anddetachably couple the yoke arm 100 to a skewer that couples the rearwheel 94 of the bicycle to the rear fork of a bicycle frame. The secondyoke arm 102 includes a distal end 114 with a skewer engaging latch 116that is operable as explained below to selectively and detachably couplethe yoke arm 102 to the rear wheel skewer at the opposite end of theskewer from the end to which latch 112 is coupled. An exemplary form oflatch 112, 116 is described below.

A first yoke arm support 120 extends from column 96 to a lower centralportion of the yoke arm 100 to provide additional support for yoke arm100. A second yoke arm support 122 extends forwardly from the column 96and engages a lower central portion of the yoke arm 102.

In addition, a handle 130 is shown in FIG. 1. The handle 130 comprises afirst handle arm 134 extending upwardly and rearwardly from the yoke arm100 and a second handle arm 132 extending upwardly and rearwardly fromthe yoke arm 102. A handle cross member 136, which in one form comprisesfirst and second handle components 131, 133 (shown in FIGS. 17A and 17Band described below), is coupled to the upper ends of the handle arms132, 134. An actuator 138, which can comprise a movable handle componentcoupled to the handle cross member 136, can be coupled to actuatingcables, for use, as explained below, to selectively and simultaneouslyopen the latches 112, 116. When open, the latches can be decoupled fromthe rear wheel skewer to disconnect the trailer from the bicycle. Thelatches also desirably function to allow positioning of the latches in aposition to engage the respective ends of the skewer to couple thetrailer to the bicycle.

With reference to FIGS. 3C and 3D, a kick stand 160 is pivotally mountedby a pivot pin 162 to a pair of spaced apart brackets 164 a, 164 bmounted to the lower front rail section 20 of the trailer frame. Whendeployed, the illustrated kickstand supports the front end of thetrailer at a location near the column 96. Trailer rear wheel 80 supportsthe rear of the trailer. For convenience, spokes that support the rearwheel (or a disk if a disk is used for wheel support) can couple thetire and rim of the rear wheel to a rear wheel axle. The kickstand canhave an inverted u-shape with first and second legs 170, 172 and akickstand cross member 174 at the upper ends of the legs. The kickstandcross member 174 is coupled by the pin 162 to the brackets 164 a, 164 b.With a two legged construction, when the kickstand is deployed, athree-point stable support is provided for the trailer comprising thedistal end 180 of leg 170, the distal end 182 of leg 172 and the contactbetween rear wheel 80 and the ground or other trailer supportingsurface.

In addition, as can be seen in FIG. 2, in a desirable embodiment, aportion of the handle 130 overlays a portion of the kickstand 160. Thisfacilitates lifting of the trailer and deployment of the kickstand asthe handle can be used to lift the trailer at a location above thekickstand.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, 3A and 3B, a rear fender and load supportingstructure 180 is also included in the illustrated trailer construction.Structure 180 can comprises a fender frame including a first fendersupporting leg comprising an upright leg portion 182 connected at alower end to cross member 34 and resting against or mounted to aninterior surface of a cross member 36 (See also FIG. 4). Leg 182 extendsupwardly for about one-third to one-half its length and then extendsrearwardly and generally horizontally (within plus or minus 20 degreesof horizontal) and more desirably horizontally, to form a substantiallyhorizontally extending support portion 184 of the first fendersupporting leg. The fender frame structure can comprise a second fendersupporting leg comprising an upright leg portion 186 connected at alower end to cross member 34 and resting against an interior surface ofcross member 36. Leg 186 extends upwardly for about one-third toone-half its length and then extends rearwardly and generallyhorizontally (within plus or minus 20 degrees of horizontal and moredesirably horizontal) to form a substantially horizontally extendingsupport portion 188 of the second fender supporting leg. The fenderframe can also include a rear fender frame portion 190 thatinterconnects the fender support portions 184, 188. In one form thefender frame can comprise a U-shaped frame with that has a lower fenderframe portion extending at an acute angle from vertical and asubstantially horizontal extending upper fender frame portion projectingrearwardly from the lower fender frame portion.

The fender frame 180 can be fixed to the trailer frame as by rivets, ordetachably coupled to the trailer frame such as by bolts or by tube andsleeve connections. This is, for example, the lower leg portions 182,186 can comprise respective sleeves that slidably receive downwardlyprojecting rod or end portions of fender support portions 184, 186 thatare inserted, respectively, into the sleeves. Detachable retaining pins183 (FIG. 3A) and 187 (FIG. 4) can be used to selectively hold theinserted fender support portions in the respective sleeves. A fender 196is shown in FIG. 1 coupled to the fender frame 180, such as by rivets orbolts. The fender can be of any suitable material including wood,bamboo, polymer materials (for example with reinforcing fibers), andmetal. The fender 196 desirably includes a plurality of openings, onewhich is indicated in FIG. 1 by the number 198. These openings can beuse as attachment points for bicycle lights and other accessories andfor load tie downs, such as when the fender is supporting a longer loadthat extends beyond the cargo area of the trailer frame.

In FIG. 4, a pannier bag supporting frame 200 is shown carried by thefender support structure 180. The pannier bag carrying frame 200comprises downwardly extending side bag supporting portions 202, 204. Ascan be seen in FIG. 4, each bag supporting portion comprises front andrear upright legs or members 207, 209 interconnected by respective upperand lower cross members 206, 208 that comprise rails for engaging baghanging brackets on a pannier bag. The upper ends of the front legs 207of the bag supporting portions 202, 204 are interconnected by a crosspiece 210 and the upper ends of the rear legs 209 of supporting portions202, 204 are interconnected by a cross piece 211. A mounting structureextends forwardly from each of the front legs 207. An exemplary mountingstructure comprises upper and lower support arms 213, 214 that convergemoving away from the respective leg 207, with the lower support arm 214having a forward extension portion 215 with a distal end 216 having afastener receiving opening through which a bolt or other fastener canextend to mount the support arm extension 215 to a portion of thetrailer frame (to frame cross member 36, FIG. 4, in this example). Afirst fender frame mounting bracket 218 extends between legs 207, 209 atside 202 of the bag carrier and a second fender frame mounting bracket219 extends between legs 207, 209 at side 204 of the bag carrier. Eachof the mounting brackets 218, 219 is positioned above its associatedcross member 206 at the same side of the bag carrier as the respectivemounting bracket and extends inwardly from the associated cross member.The mounting brackets 218, 219 can have fastener receiving openings forreceiving fasteners, such as bolts, that couple the mounting brackets tothe respective fender frame portions 184, 186 (See mounting bracket 219in FIG. 4). The frame 200 can be made of a lightweight durable material.The frame 200 is of a desirable ornamental design and can be made toappear differently while still carrying out the functions of the bagsupporting frame.

With reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B, an exemplary suspension 68 comprisesa shock strut or suspension arm 220 with a first side arm portion 222positioned along one side of the wheel 80 and a second side arm portion224 positioned on the opposite side of the wheel. The suspension armportions 222, 224 each include a wheel axle engaging fork for couplingto the rear wheel axle of the trailer. One such fork is indicated at 227at the distal end 226 of arm portion 222. One end of a rear wheel axle230 is shown engaged by the fork 227 in FIG. 3A. A central portion ofeach of the arms 222, 224 is positioned between two suspension brackets(one of which is indicated at 234 in FIG. 3B and the other at 235 inFIG. 4) and pivoted by a pivot pin 232 to these brackets for pivotingabout a pivot axis 233 (FIG. 3B). The pin 232 can be inserted through across member tube 237 extending through the arms 222, 224 and can beremovable to allow the trailer wheel to pivot forwardly into the cargoarea of the trailer, as explained below in connection with FIGS. 25 and26. The fender structure 180 can also be detachably mounted, at thelower ends of fender frame support arms 182, 186, to the frame crossmembers 34, 36 to allow the fender and fender frame 180 to be detachedto permit pivoting of the suspension to this storage position.

The upper end portion of a shock absorber 250 (FIG. 3A) is pivoted by apin 252 between the forward ends of the two arm portions 222, 224 forpivoting about a first shock absorber pivot axis 253 (FIG. 3B). Thelower end of the shock absorber 250 is positioned between first andsecond brackets 258, 260 that project upwardly from the cross member 34.The shock absorber lower end is pivoted to these brackets by a pivot pin256. A shock absorbing spring 262 is retained between upper and lowerflanges of the shock absorber with the spring being compressed by thedownward movement of the arm portions 222, 224 in response to an upwardforce on the wheel 80; to thereby absorb shock when wheel 80 hits anobstacle or bump. The spring 262 is typically surrounded by a boot orcover (see cover 189 in FIG. 4) to eliminate exposure of the spring. Theshock strut 226 as shown in greater detail in FIG. 3B and also comprisesa reinforcing flange 270 extending between the arms 222, 224 at alocation rearward of the upper and forward end portions of the arms 222,224.

FIG. 5 illustrates the yoke arms 100,102 in position with skewercouplers or latches 112, 114 engaging the skewer of the rear wheel 34 ofthe bicycle to retain the trailer connected to the bicycle. FIG. 5 alsoillustrates a latch actuating cable 280 that can comprise a latchactuator that has a first cable first end portion coupled to the latch112 and a first cable second end portion spaced from the latch 112 andfrom the first cable first end portion. In addition, FIG. 5 shows asecond actuating cable 282 that can comprise a latch actuator that has asecond cable first end portion coupled to the latch 116 and a secondcable second end portion spaced from the latch 116 and from the secondcable first end portion.

In one example, movement of the first cable second end portion in afirst cable first direction (e.g. by pulling on the first cable secondend portion toward the trailer) moves a first stop (explained below)from a first stop closed position to the first stop open position. Inthe first stop open position, a bicycle skewer can be received by thefirst latch. In the first stop closed position, if the first latch hasreceived the bicycle skewer, the first latch engages and is retained onthe skewer. Movement of the first cable second end portion in a firstcable second direction (e.g. opposite to the first cable firstdirection) moves the first stop from the first stop open position to thefirst stop closed position. In addition, movement of the first cablesecond end portion in a first cable second direction moves the firststop from the first stop open position to the first stop closedposition. In this example, movement of the second cable second endportion in a second cable first direction (e.g. by pulling on the secondcable second end portion toward the trailer) moves a second stop(explained below) from a second stop closed position to the second stopopen position. In the second stop open position, a bicycle skewer can bereceived by the second latch. In the second stop closed position, if thesecond latch has received the bicycle skewer, the second latch engagesand is retained on the skewer. Movement of the second cable second endportion in a second cable second direction (e.g. opposite to the secondcable first direction) moves the second stop from the second stop openposition to the second stop closed position. In addition, movement ofthe second cable second end portion in a second cable second directionmoves the second stop from the second stop open position to the secondstop closed position.

Desirably, the first cable second end portion and second cable secondend portions are moved together to simultaneously move the respectivefirst and second stops between stop open and stop closed positions. Forexample, the actuator can comprise a common latch operator such as alever actuator 138 to simultaneously operate each of the latches. Thelever actuator 138 can be biased to, for example, move the second endportions of the respective first and second cables in a direction thatmoves the first and second stops to their closed or latched positions.Less desirably the latches can be individually actuated. The first andsecond cable end portions can also be interconnected and moved in thedesired directions, by an actuator comprising, for example: (i) one ormore push buttons or bars, for example, pushing on the interconnectedsecond end portions of the cables.to move them in first directions andmoving the cables in the second direction when no longer pushed; (ii)one more pull cords that can be used to pull on the second end portionsof the first and second cables; (iii) one or more rotary dials coupledto the second cable end portions such that rotating the dial(s) in onedirection pulls the second end portions of the cables in one directionand rotating the dial(s) in the opposite direction pushes the second endportions of the cables in the opposite directions. Other mechanisms forpulling and pushing the second end portions of the cables to move therespective first and second stops between open and closed positions canbe used. The lever actuator (and other operating mechanism) can becarried by a handle grab member 136 and be a part of a handle 130.

FIG. 6 illustrates the trailer 10 detached from the rear wheel bicycleskewer and with the kickstand 160 in a deployed condition.

With reference to FIGS. 7-10, an exemplary skewer 320 is shown for usewith a trailer hitch coupling assembly comprising the yoke arms 100, 102and coupling or latch elements 112, 116.

In FIG. 8, a skewer 320 is shown with an axle or spindle assembly 322for coupling the wheel 94 of a bicycle to rear forks 324, 326 of abicycle frame. Attached to the opposed ends of the spindle assembly 322are respective first and second couplers 330, 332 that project outwardlyaway from the forks 324, 326. These couplers desirably have latchcoupler bearing surfaces that engage the latches 112, 116. Desirably thelatch coupler bearing surfaces are arcuate, and more desirablyspherical. These arcuate or spherical surfaces desirably engage couplerreceiving portions of the latches 112, 116 as the trailer articulatesrelative to the bicycle.

Although alternative forms of skewer couplers can be used, desirablyskewer couplers are used that allow relative pivoting of the yoke armsand thereby the trailer relative to the bicycle during use. It isparticularly desirable that those portions of the couplers 330, 332 thatengage the trailer latches as the trailer articulates to variouspositions are spherical, whereas other surface portions of the couplers330, 332 can be of a different shape. The spherical coupling surfacesallow the latches to move in more than just a direction about thelongitudinal axis of the skewer. Portions of the couplers that do notengage a trailer latch in this example do not need to be spherical. Forexample, the couplers 330, 332 in FIG. 8 can have flat ends in a planeperpendicular to the axis 333 of the skewer 320. As another example, alower hemisphere or a quadrant of the couplers need not be spherical. Inthis example, the zero degree position is at the top of the coupler andthe lower hemisphere from a 90 degree to a 180 degree position oppositeto the zero degree position, or a lower quadrant (from 120 degrees tothe 180 degree position on both sides of the coupler) need not bespherical. However, desirably, except for the ends or portions of thecouplers facing forward and away from the forks, the couplers arespherical and/or are about spherical. Consequently, if the couplers areallowed to rotate about the longitudinal axis of the skewer, a sphericalportion of the coupler will be positioned in engagement with a latch ofthe trailer regardless of the rotational orientation of the couplerabout the skewer longitudinal axis. Desirably the couplers are coupledto the skewer such that the couplers can rotate about the skewer. Thespherical surfaces accommodate various angles between the longitudinalaxis of the skewer and the trailer yoke arms. Also, this angle canchange during towing of the trailer. For example, as a bicycle crests ahill and starts downwardly, and before the trailer crests the hill, thecouplers can rotate to facilitate a change of the angle between the towarms and trailer to follow the terrain. In addition, as another example,if the bicycle or trailer hits a bump, the couplers cam rotate tofacilitate a change in the angle between the yoke arms and bicycle toaccommodate the bump. However, if a trailer is fully loaded and thetrailer or bicycle hits a bump, the increased load on the couplers caninterrupt the rotation of the couplers. However, the yoke arms can stillpivot about the couplers to allow a change in the angle between the towarms and the bicycle. The couplers 332 can have internal bearingsrotatively coupling the couplers to supporting posts or projections.Alternatively, the couplers can comprise or consist of a reduce frictionmaterial such as a polymer with lubricity. Polyoxymethylene (POM) andpolytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) are examples of such reduced frictionmaterials.

With reference to FIG. 9, one form of skewer assembly 320 comprises aspindle or shaft 340. Respective collars 342, 344 are coupled to theshaft. For example, the collars can comprise externally threaded poststhat are threaded into threaded bores in the respective ends of theshaft 340. This can be seen with respect to collar 344, which has aprojection or post 350 with a threaded exterior surface for threadinginto a threaded opening in the end 352 of the shaft 340. The collar 342is shown in FIG. 9 threaded into the end 354 of the shaft 340. Theillustrated collars 342, 344 have outwardly extending projections orposts 356, 358 that receive and pivotally support the latch couplers330, 332 (not shown if FIG. 9); such that, in this example, the shaft340 can pivot relative to the couplers 330, 332. Alternatively, thecouplers 330, 332 can be threadedly connected to the respective posts356, 358. For example, the collars can have internally threaded boreswith the shaft having externally threaded ends threadedly received bythe collars (see for example the right hand end of the shaft 362 shownin FIG. 10). Shoulder screws or bolts and/or other fasteners can beutilized to hold the respective spherical couplers 330, 332 onto theends of the posts 356, 358. In this example, the posts 356, 358 have aninternally threaded opening for receiving fasteners that hold thespherical couplers in place. In the embodiment of FIG. 9A, elements incommon with those of FIG. 9 have been given the same number. In the FIG.9A example, the coupler 344 has internal threads for threadedlyreceiving the end 352 a of the shaft 340. Alternatively, the collar 44can be press fit or otherwise coupled to the end of the shaft 340. Theposts 356 a and 358 a in FIG. 9A are longer than the posts 356 and 358in FIG. 9 as they extend through the respective couplers 330, 332 andeach have a respective annular snap ring receiving slot 337, 339 at anend portion thereof. A snap ring 341 is positioned in the slot 337 and asnap ring 343 is positioned into slot 339 to hold the couplers on theskewer assemblies in this example.

In addition, a quick release cam can be included in the spindle orskewer assembly, such as intermediate to collar 342 and the sphericalcoupler 330.

FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary alternative form of coupler assembly ingreater detail. In the embodiment of FIG. 10, couplers 330, 332 areshown with internal axially extending openings, axially being in thedirection of longitudinal axis 360 through the skewer assembly. Theillustrated assembly comprises a skewer shaft 362 having a first end 364and a second end 366. The first end 364 comprises an enlargedcylindrical head 368 having an opening 370 extending through the head ina direction perpendicular to the axis 360. The end 366 of the skewershaft 362 is threaded. A collar 372 has an opening 374 that isinternally threaded so that the collar 372 can be threaded onto end 366of the shaft 362. The collar 372 comprises a tension adjustment nut thatoperates to respectively increase and decrease the distance between aninterior surface 375 of the collar 372 and an interior surface 395 of acam housing 403; by decreasing this distance, greater pressure isapplied to the wheel receiving bicycle forks and by increasing thisdistance, lesser pressure is applied to the forks, to, for example,permit removal and/or reinstallation of the bicycle wheel onto theforks.

The collar 372 comprises a post 377 that projects outwardly and axiallyaway from the shaft 362. The post 377 in this example has an internallythreaded opening 378. The post 377 has an exterior surface that isdesirably smooth. A spherical coupler 332 has an internal opening 380extending axially through the coupler. The coupler 332 is positioned onthe post 377 and is pivotal relative to the post. The coupler 332 canhave an internal bearing that surrounds the opening 380 and can, forexample, be press fit into the coupler 332. If included, such a bearingfacilitates relative pivoting movement of the coupler. In addition, awasher, such as of a polymer, such as PTFE, POM or other frictionreducing material, can be positioned between the exterior surface 379 ofthe collar 372 and the adjacent interior end surface of the sphericalcoupler. A washer 382 is positioned at the exterior side of thespherical coupler 332. A lock washer 384 can be included exteriorly ofwasher 382. A shoulder bolt or other fastener 386 is shown with athreaded shank 388. When assembled, the shank is inserted through thewasher 384, the washer 382, and the spherical coupler 332 and into theopening 378 of the post 377 with the fastener 388 being rotated totighten the fastener and join the components at this end of the skewer.

In the illustrated assembly, the head 368 on the end 364 of the shaft362 opposite to end 366 is inserted into a head receiving opening 393that extends axially into the cam housing 390. An opening 403 extendsthrough the cam housing in a direction perpendicular to the axis 360. Acam 396 with a cam lever 397 has a shank 394 with a threaded end 400.The shank is inserted through the opening 403 through the cam housingand through the opening 370 of shaft head 368; head 398 having beeninserted into the head receiving opening 393. A stop 399 on the shank397 limits the depth of insertion of the shank into the cam housing. Awasher 402 is received by shank end portion 400 and a nut 404 isthreaded onto end portion 400 to complete the cam assembly.

The cam housing in this example comprises an outwardly extending post410 projecting axially and outwardly away from the head 368. The post410 desirably has a smooth exterior cylindrical bearing surface and aninternally threaded opening 412 extending axially into the post.

The spherical coupler 330 has an axially extending opening 414 therethrough. The coupler 330 can have an internal bearing, such as press fittherein, that receives the post 410 and that facilitates relativepivoting movement of the coupler 330 on the post 410. As explained inconnection with coupler 332 and post 377, a washer, such as of frictionreducing polymer or other material with PTFE) and POM being examples,can be positioned between the interior surface of coupler 330 and theexterior surface of the cam housing. A washer 416 and lock washer 418are positioned on the post 410 at the exterior or outer side of thecoupler 330. A fastener 420, such as a shoulder bolt, with an externallythreaded post 422 is inserted through washers 418, 416, and through theopening 414 through coupler 330 and into the opening 412 of the camhousing. The shoulder bolt or other fastener 420 is tightened tocomplete the skewer assembly.

Desirably the fasteners 386, 420 (FIGS. 9 and 10) and 341, 343 (FIG. 9A)do not tightly engage the couplers 332, 334 so that the couplers canrotate on the respective posts (358, 356 FIG. 9, 358 a, 356 a FIG. 9A,and 377. 410 FIG. 10).

The cam 396 operates in a conventional manner to respectively increaseand/or decrease the distance between the surfaces 375 and 393 to therebyrespectively increase and/or decrease the pressure exerted by the skeweron the bicycle forks.

FIG. 11 illustrates the skewer assembly 320 of FIG. 9 coupled to therespective coupling elements or latches 112, 116 of the respective yokearms 100, 102.

The coupling elements 112, 116 can be the same. Therefore, the couplingor latch 112 will be described below in connection with FIGS. 12A and12B, it being understood that the coupling element or latch 116 can bethe same (or a mirror image) and requires no further discussion.

The illustrated coupling element or latch assembly 112 of FIGS. 12A and12B comprises a housing 500 that can be molded or otherwise formed froma suitable polymer material and/or metal, such as, for example,polyethylene plastic or aluminum. The housing can comprise a first orfront housing section 501 and a second or rear housing section 503 (anexemplary rear section 503 being shown in FIG. 12B). Fasteners, such asbolts 504 can be used to interconnect the housing sections. The housing500 can have a hollow interior and can be open from the bottom.Reinforcing ribs 505 can be included in the housing, such as in housingsection 501 bearing against the interior surface 509 (FIG. 12B) ofhousing section 503, to reinforce the housing (one such rib beingassigned the number 505 in FIG. 12A.

The housing 500 can also comprise a socket, not shown in FIG. 12A, forreceiving the distal end 110 of arm 100, to which the housing 500 ismounted. A slot 510, such as a skewer coupler receiving pocket, sizedfor receiving the coupler 330, is shown in FIG. 12A. A portion of theslot is desirably included in each of the housing sections, such as therear portion of the slot 510 shown in housing section 503 in FIG. 12B.The slot 510 is bounded by a wall 512. An upper end portion 513 of thewall can be of a shape that matches or conforms to the shape of skewerengaging surface portions of the coupler 330, such as arcuate, anddesirably a spherical shape in the case of a coupler with sphericalskewer coupling surfaces. The wall portion 513 can define a sphericalcoupler engaging surface that is about one-half of a sphere orhemispherical. This is best understood from the portion of the wall 513illustrated in FIG. 12B which shows one-half of an exemplary couplerengaging surface, the mirror image of which is included in an adjacentwall of housing section 501. The wall 513 can be lined with a frictionreducing and noise dampening material if desired. Alternatively, thewall 513 can comprise a surface of an insert positioned at the upper endof the slot 510.

The slot 510 is sized such that latch 112 can move upwardly with the arm100 and relative to the coupler 330 in the direction indicated by arrow518 in FIG. 12A, when the latch is operated to release the coupler. Acoupler latch member or coupler engaging stop 520 is shown fixedlymounted to a pivot pin 521. The pin 521 is coupled to the housing 500;such as to housing section 503 in the FIG. 12B example, and extendstransversely across at least a portion of the interior of the housing.The stop is pivotal from latched to unlatched positions. The stop 520includes a coupler engaging surface 522 that, in the latched positioned,is positioned partially in the slot 510 to block the upward movement ofthe arm 100 and latch 112 and thereby block decoupling the arm 100 fromthe coupler 330. As can be seen in FIG. 12A, a gap 523 can exist betweenthe engaging surface 522 and adjacent portions of the coupler 330 in thelatched state to provide additional freedom of movement of the arm 100relative to the coupler 330 as the trailer is being towed. Typically,due to the weight of the trailer, when the trailer is coupled to thebicycle, bearing surfaces of the wall 513 of housing sections 501, 503abut and engage the coupler 330. The stop 520 can also be pivoted to anunlatched position in which the stop does not obstruct the slot 510 soas to allow removal of the arm and latch from engagement with thecoupler. The pin and stop 520 can be biased, such as by a coil spring,to one of the latched and unlatched positions and desirably to thelatched position.

A cable 280, having a free end portion coupled to the stop 520, can beemployed to pivot the stop between latched and unlatched states. InFIGS. 12A and 12B, the cable 280 can be in a sheath 530 with the end ofthe sheath coupled by a connector 532 to the housing 500. The housingsections 501, 503 can define a cable guide path or passageway in whichthe cable can be positioned for sliding movement relative to the housingsections. In FIG. 12B, an end portion of the cable 280 is shown insertedinto a slot 535 that is centrally positioned in the stop, such asperpendicular to the pivot axis of pin 251. An enlarged head or stop 537of a cross sectional dimension greater than the width of the slot 535,retains the cable in the slot after it has been inserted therein, whilepermitting removal of the cable if desired. The cable can be clamped ormounted to the stop, or wound around the pin 521, as alternatives.Consequently, when the cable 280 is pulled upwardly in FIGS. 12A and12B, the stop 520 is pivoted upwardly (in a clockwise direction relativeto arm 100 in FIGS. 12A and 12B) to an unlatched or open position inwhich stop 520 is sufficiently out of the slot 510 so as to no longerprevent removal of the latch from the skewer coupler 330. Conversely,when the cable moves downwardly, the stop 520 is pivoted downwardly (ina counter clockwise direction relative to arm 100) to a latched orclosed position preventing separation of the latch from the skewercoupler. It should be understood that the direction of motion betweenthe latched and unlatched positions, and direction of movement of thecables to move the latches between open and closed positions, dependsupon where the stop is positioned in the housing. For example, the stopcan be located and controlled to pivot upwardly to a latched positionand downwardly to an unlatched position. An actuator comprising thecables 280, 282, if a cable actuation is utilized, can also comprise acommon actuator mechanism so that the cables are simultaneously pulledand released to thereby operate the latches 112, 116 together asexplained below. Alternatively, and less desirably, a separate mechanismsuch as a respective lever coupled to each of the cables 280, 282 can beprovided for each of the latches. An exemplary actuation mechanism isdescribed below.

FIGS. 13 through 15 illustrate a sequence of operation of an exemplarylatching assembly 116. Again, it being understood that assembly 112operates in the same manner.

In FIG. 15, the latch assembly 116 is shown with the stop 520 in alatched position that captures the coupler 332 and retains trailer hitcharm 102 coupled to the coupler 332 and to a bicycle. In FIG. 13, thestop has been pivoted to an unlatched position that allows upwardmovement of the arm 102 to decouple the arm and trailer from the coupler332. FIG. 14 shows the arm shifted to a position in the slot 550 afterthe arm has been moved to a position clear of the coupler 332. In FIG.14, the stop 520 has returned to a position that it would be in to latchthe arm 102 to the coupler 332 if the arm were in the position shown inFIG. 15. When the stop 520 is in the state shown in FIG. 14, in adesirable example, the latches can be lowered onto the skewer pivotelements and the arms can move to the FIG. 13 latched state withoutactuating the latches such as using a latch release as explained below.A biasing spring can then shift the stop to the position shown in FIG.15. Alternatively, the latch can operate such that actuation of thelatch is required to allow the latch to receive skewer elements and thecoupling of the latch to the skewer.

FIG. 16 illustrates the trailer 10 in a position wherein the latchingelements 112, 116 engage the respective spherical couplers (only coupler330 being partially visible in FIG. 16) to couple the trailer to theskewer assembly 320 and thereby to the rear wheel axle of the bicycle.This FIG. 16 also shows an exemplary handle assembly 130 and actuator138 in greater detail. Components forming an exemplary handle assemblyand the operation thereof are described below in connection with FIGS.17A-C and FIGS. 18A and 18B.

FIGS. 17A and 17B illustrate a first or front upper handle member orcomponent 131 and a second or rear lower handle component or member 133.The components 131, 133 together form a handle 136 mounted to the upperends of the arms 100, 102. Handle member 131 (FIG. 17A) comprises a bodywith respective end portions 601, 603 that define respective openings604, 606 therein. The handle section 131 can be hollow with a pluralityof downwardly extending projections. In this example, there is onelongitudinally and downwardly projecting reinforcing flange 610extending along the body between the end portions 601, 603. There arealso a plurality of transversely and downwardly extending reinforcingribs or flanges, such as four such flanges 612 between the end portions601, 603 of the body. In addition, actuator receiving pockets 604,606are positioned respectively at ends 601 and 603 of the body.

The lower handle section 133 (FIG. 17B) can comprise a body which canalso be hollow. The lower handle member 133 can comprise alongitudinally extending flange 630 and a plurality of transverselyextending ribs 632. The body of the handle member 133 has first andsecond end portions 644, 646 that include respective actuator receivingpocket 645, 647. The actuator receiving pockets can have actuatorreceiving seats, one being indicated at 649 for pivotally receiving anend portion of an actuator lever, one end portion of the actuator leverbeing positioned in the pockets 604, 607 and the other end portion ofthe actuator being positioned in the pockets 606, 645 when the handle isassembled.

The illustrated lever actuator 138 comprises one form of a cable moverfor moving the cables of the actuator to control the operation of thelatches. The lever actuator 138 comprises a body 617 with respective endportions 638, 639 that are pivotally supported in the respective ends ofthe assembled handle elements 131, 133. An end of cable 280 (e.g. asecond end portion of cable 280 spaced for the end portion of cable 280that is coupled to its associated stop) is coupled to end portion 638 ofthe actuator and an end of cable 282 (e.g. a second end portion of cable282 spaced from the end portion coupled to its associated stop) iscoupled to end portion 639 of the actuator. Lifting upwardly on theactuator body (in FIG. 1) pivots the lever and pulls the second endportions of cables 280, 282 in a first direction and also moves theopposite ends of the cables to thereby move the respective stops 520; inthis example from a closed position to an open or unlatched position.Thus, in this example, the lever actuator simultaneously moves the stopsof each of the latches to their respective open positions. Lessdesirably, a separate lever can be associated with each latch with thelatches being operated independently of one another.

Alternatively, instead of a lever actuator 138, the cable mover of theactuator can comprise an actuating button and/or a bar slidable into andout of the housing and coupled to the second end portions of the cablesto move the cables and operate the stops of the latches. Other cablemovers or actuation mechanisms can alternatively be used, such as arotary dial or pull cord. A separate cable mover or actuator mechanismcan be provided for each cable. However, more desirably a common cablemover or actuator mechanism (coupled by cables to each of the latches)is used to simultaneously move the latches to open and closed positions.

FIGS. 17D-17F illustrates on alternative form of cable mover. In FIG.17D a dial 283 if pivotally coupled to the handle 136 by a pivot pin 285for pivoting about a pivot axis 287. The second end portions of thecables 280, 282 are respectively coupled to the dial 283, interiorly ofthe handle at diametrically opposed locations 289, 291 in this example.Pivoting dial 283 counter clockwise in FIG. 17D pulls the respectivesecond end portions of the cables 280, 282 (in the directions of arrows299, 301) and moves the stops of the associated latches simultaneouslyto their open positions. Pivoting the dial 283 in a clockwise directionas indicated by arrow 295 in FIG. 17E moves the cables in respectivedirections 303, 305 and moves the stops of the associated latches totheir closed position. A spring 297 (FIG. 17F) coupled to the handle 136and dial 283 can be used to move the dial 283 clockwise when the dial isreleased to bias the stops and latches to their closed positions. Inthis example, the cables 280, 282 can be a continuous cable wrappedaround an internal portion of the dial and fastened to the dial. Lessdesirably, a separate dial can be used for actuating each latch.

FIG. 17G illustrates a cable mover in the form a pull cord or pull cablemechanism. Respective second end portions of the cable extend outwardlyfrom the handle 136 and are joined to a pull handle 307. Pulling on thepull handle in the direction of arrow 303 moves the respective secondend portions of cables 280, 282 in the respective directions 309, 311and moves the stops 520 and latches to their open positions. A spring313 coupled between handle 136 and the second end portion of cable 280can be used to bias the cable and pull handle 307 in a directionopposite to direction 309 to thereby bias the associated stop 520 andlatch 112 to its closed position. Similarly, a spring 315 coupledbetween handle 136 and the second end portion of cable 282 can be usedto bias the cable and pull handle 307 in a direction opposite todirection 311 to thereby bias the associated stop 520 and latch 116 toits closed position. In this example, the pull handle simultaneouslymoves the latches to their open positions. Less desirably, a separatepull handle can be used for each of the cables and associated latches.The cable sections 280, 282 can be joined together (e.g. as a singlecable) and pass through the pull handle 307.

FIGS. 17H and 17I illustrate a push button or push bar type of cablemover. In this example, a push button or bar 317 is slidably coupled tohandle 136 such that the bar can be depressed into the handle whenpushed in the direction of arrow 319 in FIG. 17I. The second endportions of cables 280, 282 are coupled to the push bar or button (andcan be one continuous cable) and move in the direction of arrows 321 and323 when the push bar or button is depressed. This moves the respectivestops and latches to simultaneously to their open positions. One or moresprings, such as indicated at 325, 327 can be used to bias the pushbutton or push bar to its undepressed position to move the cables 280,282 in directions opposite to directions 321, 323 and bias the stops 520and latches 112, 116 to their closed positions. Less desirably, aseparate push bar or push button can be used for moving each of thecables independently of one another.

The illustrated handle sections 131, 133 can also have fastenerreceiving bosses (such as bosses 615 in FIG. 17A and 650 in FIG. 17B)that are aligned and that have distal ends that abut one another whenthe handles sections 131, 133 and actuator 138 are assembled into thehandle 136 (FIG. 1). Fasteners, such as bolts or screws extendingthrough bosses in the handle section 133 and threaded into bosses in thehandle section 131 can be used to hold these elements together.

The actuator 138 can be biased, by springs not shown, to a skewerlatching position as shown in FIGS. 1 and 15. In contrast, when theactuator 138 is in a depressed or actuated position in which the leverbody 617 is pivoted toward the handle 136, resulting from squeezing thelever actuator and moving the lever actuator 138 toward handle portion136, the cables 280, 282 are pulled toward the handle and pivot thestops 520 to their unlatched position or state. As explained above, whenstops 520 are in their unlatched position, the trailer arms can be: (1)decoupled from the bicycle skewer couplers 230, 232 to remove thetrailer; or (2) coupled to the bicycle skewer couplers 230, 232 to hitchthe trailer to the bicycle. This can be accomplished by a user who usesone hand to pull the actuator 138 to simultaneously open latches 112,116. The handle 136 (FIG. 1) allows the user to lift the unlatchedtrailer arms free from the bicycle or lower the arms onto the skewercouplers as the lever actuator 138 is depressed. Less desirably, aseparate lever or actuator can be provided for each of the latches 112,116.

FIGS. 18 through 23 illustrate exemplary yoke arm pivot structures forsupporting the yoke arms 100, 102 such that the yoke arms can pivotabout the upright axis of the pivot pin 98 within limits as allowed bythe pivot structure. In this example, the arms 100, 102 are hinged forrelative pivoting movement. Therefore, the distal ends 110, 114 of thearms 100, 102 can be spaced further apart or moved closer together toaccommodate skewer assemblies 320 of different lengths and bicycles withdifferent rear axles and tire sizes.

FIG. 18 illustrates the yoke arms 100, 102 pivoted apart a distanceequal to the length of the illustrated skewer assembly 320 to allow theyoke arms to engage couplers (e.g. 330, 332) of the skewer assembly. InFIG. 18, the yoke arms 100, 102 are in an intermediate position betweentheir most spread apart or divergent position and their closest spacedor most convergent position. Yoke arm 100 comprises a proximal endportion or first hinge member 680 and yoke arm 102 includes a proximalend portion or second hinge member 690. The hinge elements 680, 690interfit with one another and are coupled to support flanges 84, 86 ofthe trailer by pin 98, in this example, such that the elements 680, 690can pivot relative to one another about the axis of the pin 98. Thecolumn or collar 96 comprises the hinge elements 680, 690 in thisexample.

Hinge portion 680 comprises a first hinge body 681 coupled to theproximal end 683 of arm 100. The body 681 can comprise first guideportion 685 with a right cylindrical exterior surface and a projectionflange 686 that can include a right cylindrical interior surface 688.Hinge portion 690 comprises a second hinge body 691 coupled to theproximal end 693 of arm 102. The body 691 can comprise a second guideportion 695 with right cylindrical exterior surface and a projectionflange 696 that includes a right cylindrical interior surface 698. Hingeportion 680 includes third and fourth stop surfaces 700, 702. Inaddition, hinge portion 690 includes first and second stop surfaces 704and 706. The stop surface 700 is adjacent to stop surface 704 and thestop surface 702 is adjacent to stop surface 706.

When arms 100, 102 are pivoted to converge toward one another about theaxis of pin 98, the gap between surfaces 700 and 704 closes from thepositions shown in FIGS. 18 and 19 until the stop surfaces 700, 704 abutone another as shown in FIG. 22. When they abut, the stops 700, 704limit the extent to which the distal ends 110, 114 of arms 100, 102 canbe pivoted toward one another. Conversely, when the arms 100 and 102 arepivoted in a direction to cause the distal ends 110, 114 to diverge orbe spread further apart, that is pivoted about the axis of pin 98 awayfrom one another, the gap between stop surfaces 702 and 706 closes. Thedistal ends can be spread apart in this example until the stop surfaces702, 706 abut one another as shown in FIG. 19 and limit furtherdivergence of the distal ends 110, 114 of the arms 100, 102. Therefore,with this construction the distal ends of the arms can readily be spaceda proper and variable distance apart, within the limits established bythe stops 700,704 and 702, 706, for coupling to bicycles with skewers ofdifferent lengths.

These stops are desirable, but optional as the arms 100, 102 can beallowed to converge and diverge until the distal ends 110, 114 of thearms touch to limit further convergence and until other structures ofthe trailer are engaged to limit further diverging of the arms.

In addition, a mechanism can be provided to retain the yoke arms in aposition to which they have been adjusted, such that once adjusted for aparticular bicycle, no pivoting readjustment is needed when the bicycletrailer is again used on the same bicycle. For example, set screws canbe used. Also, fasteners, such as a bolt can be used, for examplebetween the two yoke arms adjacent to the hinge assembly, to hold theyoke arms in a position to which they have been adjusted.

As shown in FIGS. 18-20 and 21B, the flange 686 of hinge portion 680 canbe an arcuate flange that can extend outwardly from the outer end of thestop forming surface 702 with its right cylindrical interior surface 688positioned to overlap the stop surface 706 and the right cylindricalexterior surface of the second guide portion 695 of the body 691 ofhinge portion 690. As is also shown in these FIGS. 18-20 and 21A, theflange 696 of hinge portion 690 can be an arcuate flange that can extendoutwardly from the outer end of the stop forming surface 704 with itsright cylindrical interior surface 698 positioned to overlap the stopsurface 700 and the exterior right cylindrical surface of the firstguide portion 685 of the body 681 of hinge portion 680. The interiorsurface 688 of flange 686 can slide adjacent to or abutting the exteriorsurface of body portion 695 and the interior surface 698 of flange 696can slide adjacent to or against the exterior surface of body portion685 to guide the pivoting of the hinge elements and shield the stopsurfaces from exposure where they could otherwise can pinch oraccumulate debris.

As can be seen in FIGS. 21A and 21B, the column 96 can be formed ofinterfitting right and left pivoting yoke collar portions or hingeelements 680, 690. The right side hinge portion 690 coupled to arm 102is shown in FIG. 21A. The left side hinge portion 680 coupled to arm 100is shown in FIG. 21B.

Referring to FIG. 21A, the exemplary hinge portion 690 comprises aplurality of rings 724, 726, 728 and 730 with respective pin receivingopenings aligned along an axis 732 through the rings. The rings arespaced apart by respective ring receiving gaps 734, 736 and 738 and withan upper ring receiving gap 739 above the ring 724. The rings 724-730are supported by inwardly projecting portions of the respective stops704, 706. With reference to FIG. 21B, the exemplary hinge portion 680comprises a plurality of rings 740, 742, 744 and 746 with respective pinreceiving openings aligned along an axis 733 through the rings. Therings are spaced apart by respective ring receiving gaps 748, 750 and752 and with a lower ring receiving gap 754 positioned below the ring746. The rings 740-746 are supported by inwardly projecting portions ofthe respective stops 700, 702.

When the column 96 is assembled, the rings 724-730 of hinge member 690are positioned in the respective ring receiving gaps 748-754 of hingemember 680 with the axis 732 aligned with the axis 733. In addition, therings 740-746 are positioned in the respective gaps 734-739. The pin 96can then be inserted through the interfitting rings 748, 750, 752 and754 to hold the hinge portions 680, 690 together. More or fewer hingerings can be used than the four rings per hinge portion shown in theseFIGS. 21A and 21B.

FIGS. 22A and 22B illustrate a modified construction of the end portions680, 690 and is designated 755 in FIGS. 22A and 22B. FIG. 22Aillustrates one of the right or left hand hinge portions with the otherbeing an inverted or bottom up version of FIG. 22A. In thismodification, each hinge portion comprises a body 757 comprising firstand second stops 759, 761. A portion 763 of the body 757 can have aright cylindrical exterior surface. An arcuate flange 765, with aninterior right cylindrical surface portion 767, projects outwardlybeyond the stop 759. The stop 759 functions like the stops 704, 706 inthe above embodiment and the stop 761 functions like the stops 700, 702in the above embodiment. The interior of body 757 comprises, in thisexample, a cavity 777, which can be semi-circular in cross section. Thecavity can have other cross sectional configurations. In thisembodiment, the rings comprise individual ring segments, 768, 769 and770 such as shown in FIGS. 22A and 22B, each with a ring body 771 sizedto fit within the cavity 777 and a ring portion 773 projecting outwardlybetween the stops 759, 761. The ring portions 773 are aligned such thata longitudinal pivot pin axis extends through the center of each of thering portions 773 of the ring segments 768-770 and with gaps between thering segments. The ring segments can be secured to the body 757, such asby adhesive, press fitting, or welding. The ring segments are positionedsuch that ring portions of the ring segments of a right hand hingeportion 755 fit within gaps between the ring portions of the ringsegments of a left hand hinge portion 755. In the embodiment of FIG.22A, the body 757 can be extruded and cut to length, molded or otherwiseformed. The individual ring segments can be formed in the same manner.FIG. 22B is an end view of the structure of FIG. 22A looking from below.

FIG. 23 illustrates a vertical sectional view of an exemplary assembledcolumn 96 that comprises a form of a pivot. In FIG. 23, the pin 98 isshown with a shaft portion 760 extending through the respective pinreceiving rings. More specifically, in this example, the shaft portion760 extends through an inner sleeve 793 and an outer sleeve 795. TheSleeve 795 extends through the pin receiving rings. Also, a lowersupport 762 is positioned between flange 84 and the lower end of thehinge forming elements of the column 96. An upper support 764 ispositioned between flange 86 and the upper end of the hinge formingelements. The lower and upper supports or pivot end members 762, 764 caneach have respective upper and lower recesses separated by a respectivewall or shelf portion of the support. The outer sleeve 795 extendsthrough the supports 762, 764 with respective upper and lower endspositioned in the upper recess of support 764 and in the lower recess ofsupport 762. A nut 782 can be threaded onto the upper end of the sleeve795 and positioned in the upper recess of support 764. A nut 788 can bethreaded onto the lower end of the outer sleeve 795 and positioned inthe lower recess of the support 762. The inner sleeve 793 extends intothe lower recess of the support 764 and into the upper recess of thesupport 762. A nut 784 can be threaded onto the upper end of the sleeve793 and positioned in the lower recess of support 764. A nut 786 can bethreaded onto the lower end of the outer sleeve 795 and positioned inthe lower recess of the support 762. Respective washers can bepositioned between the nuts and wall portions of the upper and lowersupports to provide bearing support. Alternatively, the upper and lowersupports can be made of or comprise a polymer bearing material.Tightening one or both of the nuts 784, 786 decreases the distancebetween them and increases the force against the hinge elements tothereby increase the resistance of the yoke arms to pivoting movement.Conversely, loosening one or both of the nuts 784, 786 increases thedistance between them and decreases the force against the hinge elementsand thereby reduces the resistance of the yoke arms to pivotingmovement. The resistance can be set at a desired level so that the yokearms remain in a position to which they are pivoted until force isapplied that exceeds the resistance. The outer sleeve 795 allows theyoke assembly to pivot relative the trailer frame while the yoke armsare maintained at their desired spread apart positions. The nuts 782,788 hold the yoke assembly (the hinge elements and yoke arms 100, 102with latch assemblies 112, 116, upper and lower supports and sleeves793, 795) together when the pin 98 is removed. Therefore, the yokeassembly can be detached and removed from the trailer frame as anassembled unit. The yoke supporting flanges 84, 86 can be provided withrespective slots 792, 790 that face one another and that can be open toan edge of the associated flange, such as to the front of the flange.The slot 790 receives the upper end of sleeve 795 of the yoke assemblyand the slot 792 receives the lower end of the sleeve 795 of the yokeassembly. Once in place, the pin 98 can be inserted through the innersleeve 793 and thereby through the yoke assembly to retain the yokeassembly in place on the frame. Other connections besides threadedconnections can be used to hold the sleeves in place. For example pressfit connectors can be used instead of nuts. In addition, a bushing 766can be positioned between the lower end of the rings and the upper endof the lower support 762. The pin can comprise a cam 770 operated by acam lever 772. The lever 772 can be used to release the cam and rotatethe pin to free the pin for removal from the hinge assembly (e.g. tounthread the pin 98 from a nut 794 coupling the pin to the support 84).When the pin 98 is lifted free of the hinge rings, the yoke assembly isdisconnected or decoupled from the trailer frame and can be separatedtherefrom, such as, for example, for storage and transportationpurposes.

Thus, the exemplary pivot comprises at least one sleeve inserted (e.g.one or both of the inner sleeve 793 and outer sleeve 795 and desirablyat least both of the sleeves) through the interfitting hinge portions(e.g. 680, 690) through which a hinge pin 98 is inserted. Also, thehinge pin 98 is desirably removable such that, upon removal of the hingepin, the first and second hinge portions 680, 690 and thereby the firstand second yoke arms 100, 102 are detachable from the bicycle trailerframe. In addition, the at least one sleeve desirably retains the firstand second hinge portions together in their interfitting positions whenthe first and second hinge portions and first and second yoke arms areseparated from the trailer frame. The at least one sleeve can alsodesirably be removable to allow separation of the interfitting hingeportions and yoke arms. Also, desirably first and second hinge portionscomprise stops positioned internally within the pivot to limit theextent to which the minimum and maximum distances between the second endportions of the first and second yoke arms. Also, in one exemplaryconstruction, the frame comprises spaced apart upper and lower pivotsupports, such as flanges 86, 84, projecting forwardly from respectiveupper and lower portions of the front frame portion. The at least onesleeve can comprise the inner sleeve 793, which defines a hinge pinreceiving passageway extending longitudinally through the inner sleeve,and an outer sleeve 795, which defines a longitudinally extending sleevereceiving passageway. With reference to FIG. 23, the inner sleeve 793 ispositioned within the outer sleeve. In addition, the outer sleeve 795 isinserted through the first and second hinge portions 680, 690 andretains the first and second hinge portions in their interfittingpositions. Also, when coupled to the trailer by the hinge pin 98, thesleeves 793, 795 are desirably positioned between the upper and lowerpivot supports 86, 84. In FIG. 23, the hinge pin 98 is inserted throughthe hinge pin receiving passageway of the inner sleeve 793 and iscoupled to the upper and lower pivot supports 86, 84 to couple theinterfitting hinge portions and thereby the first and second yoke armsto the front frame portion. The FIG. 23 exemplary pivot also comprisesupper and lower end members 764, 762. In addition, the outer sleeve 795extends through the upper and lower end members and is coupled to theend members to retain the end members, the first and second hingeportions and thereby the first and second yoke arms together as a yokeassembly. Wherein, when the hinge pin is inserted through the upper andlower pivot supports, the upper and lower end members, the first andsecond hinge portions and the inner sleeve, the yoke assembly is coupledto the front frame portion. Also, the yoke assembly is separable as aunit from the trailer frame upon removal of the hinge pin. Also, in theFIG. 23 embodiment, the upper and lower pivot 86, 84 include respectiveslots 790, 792 that face one another and that are sized to slidablyreceive respective upper and lower end portions of the outer sleeve 795.

FIG. 24 illustrates the trailer 10 with the pin 98 removed; but prior toseparating the yoke assembly from the trailer frame.

FIGS. 25 and 26 illustrate the folding of the rear wheel 80 (the rearwheel being coupled to the trailer by a quick release coupler 397 inthis example) into the cargo area 76 of the trailer when the pin 232 andfender supporting assembly 180 are removed. When the yoke assemblycomprising arms 100, 103 and the column 96 are also removed, aspreviously explained, and the kickstand is in a retracted position, thebicycle trailer is in a compact form for transport and storage.

FIG. 27 schematically illustrates a desirable performance of theexemplary shock assembly 68 of the illustrated embodiment. Other shockassemblies can be used as alternatives. With reference to FIG. 27, rearwheel 80 of the trailer 10, being towed forwardly in the direction ofarrow 871, is shown impacting a rock or other obstacle 873. Theresulting impact force is transmitted substantially along the line of avector 881 toward the wheel axle as shown in FIG. 30. In response,suspension arm 220 pivots, as indicated by arrow 875, about the pivotaxis 233; the pivot axis being defined by pivot pin 232. This causessome of the impact force components to act rearwardly on the suspensioninstead of simply transmitting these forces upwardly.

Having illustrated and described the principles of our invention withreference to several embodiments, it should be understood that theseprinciples encompass modifications of these embodiments in arrangementand detail. The illustrated embodiments are desirable examples andshould not be taken as limiting the scope of the invention.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A bicycle skewer for supporting a wheel ofa bicycle between bicycle forks on opposite sides of the supportedbicycle wheel, the skewer comprising: a skewer body having first andsecond end portions and a longitudinal axis about which a supportedbicycle wheel pivots, a first coupler having a first opening and a firstbearing sized to receive the first end portion of the skewer body and asecond coupler having a second opening and a second bearing sized toreceive the second end portion of the skewer body, wherein the firstcoupler is rotatable relative to the first end portion and the secondcoupler is rotatable relative to the second end portion of the skewerbody, the bicycle wheel and forks being positioned between the first andsecond couplers; each of the first and second couplers comprisingexterior surfaces at least a portion of which are spherical.
 2. Abicycle skewer according to claim 1 wherein each of the first and secondcouplers has exterior surfaces that are entirely spherical except forside surface portions perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.
 3. Abicycle skewer according to claim 2 wherein the side surface portionsare planar.
 4. A bicycle skewer according to claim 1, wherein the firstand second couplers have exterior surfaces that are entirely sphericalexcept at the location of the first and second openings.
 5. A bicycleskewer according to claim 1 wherein each of the first and secondcouplers have an exterior surface, and wherein the upper quadrant of theexterior surfaces of the first and second couplers are spherical.
 6. Abicycle skewer according to claim 1 wherein each of the first and secondcouplers comprises a ball.
 7. A bicycle skewer for supporting a wheel ofa bicycle between bicycle forks on opposite sides of the supportedbicycle wheel, the skewer comprising: a skewer body having first andsecond end portions and a longitudinal axis about which a supportedbicycle wheel pivots, a first coupler coupled to the first end portionof the skewer body and a second coupler coupled to the second endportion of the skewer body, the bicycle wheel and forks being positionedbetween the first and second couplers; each of the first and secondcouplers comprising exterior surfaces at least a portion of which arespherical, wherein the first skewer end portion of the skewer bodycomprises a first collar with a first post extending outwardly andhaving an axis that is coaxial with the longitudinal axis, wherein thesecond skewer end portion of the skewer body comprises a second collarwith a second post extending outwardly and having an axis that iscoaxial with the longitudinal axis, and wherein the first coupler issupported by the first post and the second coupler is supported by thesecond post.
 8. A bicycle skewer according to claim 7 wherein at leastone of the first and second collars is threadedly coupled to the skewerbody.
 9. A bicycle skewer according to claim 7 wherein the first coupleris threadedly coupled to the first post and the second coupler isthreadedly coupled to the second post.
 10. A bicycle skewer according toclaim 7 wherein the first coupler is rotatably supported by the firstpost so as to rotate relative to the first post; and wherein the secondcoupler is rotatably supported by the second post so as to rotaterelative to the second post.
 11. A bicycle skewer according to claim 7wherein respective snap rings retain the first coupler on the first postand the second coupler on the second post.
 12. A bicycle skewer forsupporting a wheel of a bicycle between bicycle forks on opposite sidesof the supported bicycle wheel, the skewer comprising: a skewer bodyhaving first and second end portions and a longitudinal axis about whicha supported bicycle wheel pivots, a first coupler coupled to the firstend portion of the skewer body and a second coupler coupled to thesecond end portion of the skewer body, the bicycle wheel and bicycleforks being positioned between the first and second couplers, each ofthe first and second couplers comprising an exterior surface at least aportion of which is spherical, a cam body slidably coupled to the firstend portion of the skewer body for sliding axially on the first endportion of the skewer toward and away from an adjacent bicycle fork, thecam body comprising a first post extending outwardly and having an axisthat is coaxial with the longitudinal axis, wherein the second skewerend portion of the skewer body comprises a second collar with a secondpost extending outwardly and having an axis that is coaxial with thelongitudinal axis, the second collar being threadedly coupled to theskewer body, wherein the first coupler is supported by the first postand the second coupler is supported by the second post, furthercomprising a cam shank inserted into the cam body and into engagementwith the first end portion of the skewer, a cam lever coupled to the camshank, wherein movement of the cam lever slidably adjusts the positionof the cam body on the first skewer end portion relative to the adjacentfork to adjust the pressure exerted by the skewer body on the bicycleforks.
 13. A bicycle skewer according to claim 12 wherein the firstcoupler is rotatably supported by the first post so as to rotaterelative to the first post; and wherein the second coupler is rotatablysupported by the second post so as to rotate relative to the secondpost.
 14. A bicycle skewer according to claim 12 wherein the firstcoupler is threadedly coupled to the first post and the second coupleris threadedly coupled to the second post.
 15. A bicycle skewer accordingto claim 12, wherein the first and second couplers have exteriorsurfaces that are spherical except for surfaces through which the postsextend.
 16. A bicycle skewer for supporting a wheel of a bicycle betweenbicycle forks on opposite sides of the supported bicycle wheel, and forcoupling the bicycle to a first latch on a first yoke arm of a trailerand for coupling the bicycle to a second latch on a second yoke arm of atrailer, the skewer comprising: a skewer body having first and secondend portions and a longitudinal axis about which a supported bicyclewheel pivots; a first coupler having a first end portion and a firstbearing sized to receive the first end portion of the skewer body and asecond coupler having a second end portion and a second bearing sized toreceive the second end portion of the skewer body, the bicycle wheel andforks being positioned between the first and second couplers; the firstcoupler comprising a first exterior latch engagement surface, at least aportion of which is spherical; the second coupler comprising a secondexterior latch engagement surface, at least a portion of which isspherical; and wherein the first exterior latch engagement surface ispositioned against a spherical surface portion of the first latch on thefirst yoke arm when the first yoke arm is coupled to the first endportion of the skewer, and wherein the second exterior latch engagementsurface is positioned against a spherical surface portion of the secondlatch on the second yoke arm when the second yoke arm is coupled to thesecond end portion of the skewer.
 17. A bicycle skewer according toclaim 16 wherein each of the first and second couplers has exteriorsurfaces that are entirely spherical except for side surface portionsperpendicular to the longitudinal axis.
 18. A bicycle skewer accordingto claim 16 wherein the first and second couplers have exterior surfacesthat are entirely spherical except at the locations of the first andsecond openings.
 19. A bicycle skewer according to claim 16 wherein eachof the first and second couplers comprises a ball detachably mounted tothe respective first and second ends of the skewer body.